The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have announced an 8% upward adjustment in public transport fares, effective from Saturday, September 26, 2026. This change affects shared taxis, intra-city trotros, intercity routes, and haulage services. The Ministry of Transport confirmed the adjustment in an official press release on September 23, 2026, after consultations with commercial road transport operators.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the upward review of fares followed a careful assessment of rising operational costs, including increases in ex-pump prices of petroleum products, spare parts, and general vehicle maintenance. The government's intervention on the price of diesel helped moderate the size of the increment, keeping it at 8% rather than a steeper rise. The new fares are calculated based on the approved transport fares that were last set on May 24, 2025.
The 8% increment covers four categories of commercial road transport services: shared taxis, intra-city trotros, intercity (long-distance) services, and haulage. A detailed schedule of the revised fares has been released, serving as the official reference point for both operators and commuters. The transport bodies have urged all operators to display the fare schedule prominently at loading terminals and stations.
Commuters travelling within Accra and other major cities are advised to familiarise themselves with the new fares before boarding from Saturday to avoid being overcharged by drivers who may seek to exploit the transition period. The GPRTU and GRTCC have warned that charging above the approved rates would attract sanctions from the unions.
The fare increase comes after the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC) forecast marginal increases in pump prices for petrol, diesel, and LPG, with the adjustments expected to take effect from Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Despite two developments that would ordinarily ease pressure on fuel costs, motorists and households that rely on liquefied petroleum gas could face higher fuel costs.
The Ministry of Transport's press release was issued after consultations between the ministry and commercial road transport operators held between September 8 and September 22, 2026. The government has encouraged commuters to report any instances of overcharging by drivers.
The new trotro fares will affect thousands of Ghanaian commuters who rely on public transport daily. The GPRTU and GRTCC have assured commuters that the fare increase is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the transport services.
Key points
- The 8% fare increase affects shared taxis, intra-city trotros, intercity routes, and haulage services.
- The new fares take effect from Saturday, September 26, 2026.
- The fare increase is attributed to rising operational costs, including increases in ex-pump prices of petroleum products, spare parts, and general vehicle maintenance.
